London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts

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| Posted Feb. 21, 2001, midnight

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The list of alumni from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is long and distinguished: Donald Sutherland, David Suchet, Janet Suzman, Richard Harris, Stacy Keach, Amy Irving, and Brian Cox, to name a few. The school is the oldest existing acting academy in the U.K., and offers courses which cover the spectrum of training for work in the world of theatre, radio, and screen. These include a three-year acting course, a two-year stage management and technical theatre course, a one-year foundation course, and a one-year postgraduate acting course.

New Post-Grad Course

This year the academy has announced a new, two-year post-graduate acting course, offered to degree-holders who wish to further their education, or those with previous professional experience re-assessing their careers. There are also a range of post-graduate diploma courses, such as musical directing, designing, directing, theatre administration, and movement instruction. LAMDA also runs a Shakespeare summer workshop in July and August. Individuals applying to the acting courses are judged on their performance during the audition; academic qualifications are not required, but a love of the art and commitment to work are essential. Information: LAMDA, Tower House, 226 Cromwell Road, London SW5 0SR, tel.: 01-71-373-9883. E-mail: admissions lamda.org.uk. Internet: www.lamda.org.uk.

The Court Theatre Company

The London-based Court Theatre, now in its 10th year, has its own resident professional training company. Offering hands-on vocational training, the Court is staffed by working professionals. Eighty percent of Court graduates gain work in the first month after leaving. Out of a program of 44 weeks, 16 weeks are spent in public performances. Performances not only take place in the Courtyard Theatre, but the company tours to local community centers, libraries, as well as other London theatres. Productions range from classics, new plays, devised work, singing, music hall, pantos, to performance poetry.

In-House Theatrical Agency

The Court holds an annual casting- directors' and agents' showcase, which receives support and recognition from the industry. The school has a theatrical agency, June Abbott Associates, which is now in its third year. The agency offers a "care year" to all graduates while they find another agent or are asked to join the agency on a full-time basis.

Composed of actors from around the world, the theatre is reflected by its involvement in cultural exchanges. These include the participation of such institutions as Rome's Third University, Theatre de La Sapience in Paris, and the International Festival of Student Theatre in Belgrade.

The Rose Bruford College, one of the largest colleges for dramatic arts in Western Europe, offers students the opportunity to train and study with colleagues from all areas of the theatre. A strong sense of collaboration between the courses is maintained, as well as a dedication to the success of its students.

Founded in 1950, Rose Bruford College currently offers courses ranging from foundation level and BA Honours degrees, to MAs and research degrees to PhD level.

The college is based on two campuses; at Lamorbey Park, Sidcup, South London (25 minutes from London's West End) and in Greenwich, London (15 minutes from central London). Facilities include a new theatre-in-the-round (opened 1998), proscenium theatre, studio spaces, seminar and rehearsal rooms, design studios, specialist library, workshops, and TV and radio studios.

Internationally known, the college has links with institutions around the world and in the U.S., including Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas, with which the college runs a joint program; and The University of California, Riverside.

Bruford's B.A. Program

Rose Bruford College's BA (Honours) degree in Acting is a professional training course comprising acting, voice, movement, and other necessary theatre skills. The final year consists of fully mounted productions in London's West End, a central London Audition Showcase, and professional preparation.

The BA (Honours) Actor-Musician course is a complete acting course for students with an advanced musical ability who wish to use their musical skills as part of their performance. During the three years, there is an emphasis on theatre that incorporates musical material, including musical direction and composition. The course culminates in fully mounted productions, and a London Showcase.

Full-time degrees in directing, costume production, lighting design, theatre design, set construction and properties, stage management, and music technology are also available.

Rose Bruford College offers courses from foundation level to a BA Honors degree. The college is based on two campuses; at Lamorbey Park, Sidcup, South London (25 minutes from London's West End) and the other a large building in Greenwich, London (15 minutes from central London). For further information: The Admissions Office, Rose Bruford College, Lamorbey Park, Sidecup, Kent DA15 9DF. Tel: 44-181-300-3024; Fax: 44-181-308-0542; Email: admiss bruford.ac.uk. For further information about the USA-England joint degree program: Stephen F. at Austin State University Theatre Dept., 1936 North St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-909. Telephone: (888) 722-3396 (toll free); Fax: (409) 4680-1168; Internet: cbahs sfasu.edu.

The Court Theatre

The Court is the only theatre in the UK with its own resident Professional and Training company (now in its 10th year), and offers hands-on vocational training. The school also has a theatrical agency, June Abbott Associates, which offers a 'care year" to all graduates while they find an agent or are asked to join the agency on a full-time basis. For further information: Court Theatre Training Company, The Courtyard, 10 York Way, King's Cross, London, N1 9AA. Telephone: 44-171-833-0870.

The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

The list of alumni from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is long and distinguished: Donald Sutherland, David Suchet, Janet Suzman, Richard Harris, Stacey Keach, Amy Irving, and Brian Cox, to name a few. The school is the oldest existing acting academy in the U.K., and offers courses which cover the spectrum of training for work in the world of theatre, radio, and screen. LAMDA also runs a Shakespeare summer workshop in July and August.